NFL Draft
4/24/25
26 min read
2025 NFL Draft: Grades, Analysis For Every First-Round Pick
The 2025 NFL Draft is here, and with it comes hope for many NFL teams. However, not every pick is a home run selection.
As the first round unfolds, we'll be live grading every pick, providing instant analysis and takeaways throughout the night. Which teams are getting better, and which ones are making mistakes?
Let's find out.
Grades for Every 2025 NFL Draft RD1 Pick
1. Tennessee Titans
Selection: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Positives
- Eccentric creativity as a passer affords him unique problem-solving skills outside of structure
- Possesses the NFL arm talent to hit nearly any throw from a slew of arm slots and release angles
- Slippery within the pocket to make a first-arriving rusher miss and buy extra time for routes to develop
Negatives
- Consistency of play execution is irregular due to a big-play-hunting mentality
- Gunslinger who has never seen a throw he couldn’t make
- Lacks the athleticism to ideally match his style of play and escapability to extend plays
Team Fit
Tennessee needs an offensive engine to build around, and Cameron Ward has the best blend of current skill and traits to develop into one. His free-wheeling style might frustrate Brian Callahan, but the Titans hope he can harness his instincts like Jordan Love has in Green Bay.
Grade: B+
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (Via trade with CLE)
Selection: Travis Hunter, CB/WR
Positives
- Uncanny instincts at both receiver and cornerback
- Quick-twitch playmaker with explosive movements
- Elite character and leader on and off the field
Negatives
- Thinner frame that might be maxed out
- More reliant on his athleticism and instincts at corner than technique
- Top-end speed is good but not great
Team Fit
The Jacksonville Jaguars boldly traded up for Travis Hunter when they could've sat tight for Tetairoa McMillan. Hunter is a great fit next to Brian Thomas Jr. if he primarily plays on offense or can be the new CB1 in Jacksonville.
Is he worth the price of moving up is a valid question since McMillan and Will Johnson are similarly graded prospects at one, but not both, positions.
Grade: C
3. New York Giants
Selection: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Positives:
- Extremely efficient despite being a one-year full-time edge
- Elite burst off the line puts immense pressure on blockers
- Excellent contact balance allows him to bend the edge
Negatives
- Doesn't have the huge frame and mass of Myles Garrett, for example
- More reliant on athleticism than refined skill right now
Team Fit
It's a little clunky at the time of the pick because Kayvon Thibodeaux is on the roster, but the future of the Giants' pass rush is now Abdul Carter and Brian Burns. Long-term, Carter projects as a more explosive and consistent creator off the edge than Thibodeaux.
The Giants didn't address one of their many offensive needs, but it's hard to be disappointed when they opted for the best overall player.
Grade: A
4. New England Patriots
Selection: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Positives:
- Refined pass blocker who is as technically sound as anyone in this class
- Mauler when he gets moving downhill in the run game
- Top-notch worker and character
Negatives
- Slightly shorter arms for tackle, so he may need to kick inside
- Not a dominant athlete, so he's more of a high-floor addition than high-ceiling
Team Fit
The Patriots had to add either an offensive playmaker or blocker, but had the fourth pick in a three-player draft. Will Campbell is a solid double at tackle or triple at guard.
That's not worth an overly premium value in most drafts, but it's more acceptable this year. Drake Maye will be happy and protected.
Grade: B
5. Cleveland Browns
Selection: Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan
Positives:
- Excellent motor and destructive mentality
- High-end power that pairs with shocking quickness for his playing weight (315+)
- Lateral quickness and range allows him to be a dominant three-down star
Negatives
- Slightly short arms for his frame means he has to win off the first step
- Can improve his bull rush power
- Not a nose tackle who will handle double teams every play
Team Fit
It took a lot for Cleveland to move off Travis Hunter, but their trade return was worth it. Picking up Mason Graham addresses a massive need they've had for years at defensive tackle.
He's not Aaron Donald, but he has the quickness, power, and field vision to be an eight-time Pro Bowler for Cleveland.
Grade: A
6. Las Vegas Raiders
Selection: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Positives:
- Dynamic runner who maximizes his low center of gravity to evade tacklers
- Three-down star who might be their best receiver right away
- Powerful presence despite smaller frame due to pad level
Negatives
- One of the smaller starting backs in the NFL brings durability concerns
- Gets too antsy to explode through holes before they develop
- Gets loose with the ball when wading through traffic
Team Fit
Las Vegas had major holes at receiver and along the offensive line, so going with Ashton Jeanty feels like a luxury. He'll be the hub of the offense for a team not ready to make a playoff splash, so the value is poor.
Jeanty is undoubtedly an elite ball-carrier, so Pete Carroll will squeeze the most out of him.
Grade: C
7. New York Jets
Selection: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Positives:
- Patient pass blocker who has mastered his massive frame
- Stays balanced and displays surprising technical refinement
- Nasty finisher in the run game
Negatives
- Doesn't stick with defenders upfield in the run game as well as he could
- Can get caught leaning due to some hip stiffness
- Could have to move inside to guard if his length and lack of flexibility prove troublesome
Team Fit
The New York Jets have seen the effects of having a weak link along the offensive line for long enough. Going with a playmaker was justified, but Armand Membou offers the chance to develop elite bookend tackles for years to come.
Membou was my highest-graded tackle because of his blend of size and comfort in pass protection.
Grade: A
8. Carolina Panthers
Selection: Tetaroia McMillan, WR, Arizona
Positives:
- Massive wingspan and catch radius allows him to pluck balls out of the air with ease
- Body control on the sideline gives him the chance to finish through contact
- Great instincts to find open space when facing zone coverages
Negatives
- Lacks bulk and strength on some contested catch situations over the middle
- Route running can get lazy, so more attention to detail would help
- Top-end speed is fine, but nothing overly threatening to safeties
Team Fit
Carolina could've easily overrated its need for a No. 1-type receiver after reaching on Xavier Legette last year, so it's good they avoided that trap. Tetaroia McMillan is a unique playmaker with his size and play style, boasting tremendous creativity after the catch.
Bryce Young has the timing and accuracy to maximize his blend of McMillan's open-field running and finishing ability at the catch-point.
Grade: A
9. New Orleans Saints
Selection: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
Positives:
- Great athlete who moves well in space and is rarely beaten off the edge
- Patience and footwork allow him to mirror rushers effectively
- Can explode upward by harnessing power from his lower body
Negatives
- Can get his shoulders too far over his feet and lose balance
- Sloppy hand placement despite efficiency as a pass-blocker
- Hand strength and grip must improve to become an elite run-blocker
Team Fit
Few teams are as proactive about filling offensive line needs as New Orleans. Passing on a quarterback is incredibly risky since the franchise is relying on an aging Derek Carr.
Kelvin Banks is a good tackle prospect, though, and worth the pick. He's a great athlete needing some technical refinement despite being so experienced.
Grade: B
10. Chicago Bears
Selection: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Positives:
- Tremendous hands and reliability as a pass-catcher
- Ideal frame, strength, and power as a blocker
- Creative player after the catch who finds easy yardage
Negatives
- Not a vertical threat due to average deep speed
- Explosiveness is more subtle and therefore more reliant on scheme to unlock
Team Fit
I'm not shocked Chicago wanted to upgrade on an average tight end in Cole Kmet, but it's surprising Colston Loveland was selected over Tyler Warren.
Loveland will be Caleb Williams' best friend over the middle and will help this team's run blocking from the position. Still, taking a short-to-medium playmaker 10th overall feels rich when a more vertically gifted option was available.
Grade: C+
11. San Francisco 49ers
Selection: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Positives:
- Huge athletic upside with thickly built frame
- Great speed off the edge opens up wide range of pass-rush moves
- Terrific run defense awareness and strength at the point of attack
Negatives
- Lacks durability and playing experience
- Upper-body strength is average and will need to improve
- Can get stuck on blockers if he can't shake free with burst
Team Fit
There's risk here because San Francisco has not had good luck keeping their guys healthy, and Mykel Williams never logged more than 407 snaps in a single season.
However, he's a pro-ready run defender and explosive pass-rusher with an elite frame. He can be one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL.
Grade: B
12. Dallas Cowboys
Selection: Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
Positives:
- Prototypical frame and build for an offensive guard
- Tremendously strong at the point of attack can twist defenders out of position
- Good tempo and patience
Negatives
- Terrible athlete who struggles adjusting when defenders get out of his frame
- Slow-footed in the run game, so he ends up limiting his range of effectiveness
- Punch could be more effective and consistently used
Team Fit
Tyler Booker is a good player but one of the worst athletes to be drafted this high in a long time. Dallas has traditionally nailed offensive line picks because it prioritizes elite athletes, so Booker is a major departure from that.
He's a big risk and reach when the Cowboys had their pick of several other interior blockers or a playmaker.
Grade: D
13. Miami Dolphins
Selection: Kenneth Grant, IDL, Michigan
Positives:
- Mountainous build that is extremely hard for double teams to handle
- Versatile enough to play at several spots along the defensive line
- Excellent power and pad level considering his size
Negatives
- Slower-footed off the snap than high-end pass-rushers display
- Lateral range is limited due to tightness and aforementioned foot speed
- Can be streaky and not consistent with impact
Team Fit
Miami created this desperate need for a defensive tackle after letting Christian Wilkins depart in free agency last year, so they can't get full credit for taking one.
However, Kenneth Grant is one of the few 330-plus pounders in the world who can move like he does. Like Wilkins, he enters the NFL as a more run-centric option but can potentially be a more impactful pass-rusher.
Grade: B+
14. Indianapolis Colts
Selection: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Positives:
- Excellent vertical explosiveness
- High IQ and awareness after the catch
- Competitive as a blocker and laser-focused through contact as a receiver
Negatives
- Average impact as an inline blocker due to lack of power
- Broke out late in his career and at an advanced age
- Doesn't have a lot of experience shaking man coverage
Team Fit
It wasn't a secret that the Colts wanted Tyler Warren throughout the draft season, but it's a bit surprising that he fell to them.
A fantastic playmaker who can stretch the field vertically, be used on short-yardage situations as a ball-carrier, or create after the catch on shorter concepts, Warren is truly an offensive weapon. The Colts can be as creative as they want with him.
Grade: A
15. Atlanta Falcons
Selection: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia
Positives:
- Great range and physicality as an off-ball linebacker
- Offers tremendous value as a pass-rusher
- Twitchy-athlete who moves like a safety
Negatives
- Lacks the size needed to be a full-time edge
- Instincts as an off-ball linebacker are a tick slow
- Could wind up being a dreaded tweener if not used as a part-time rusher
Team Fit
The case for Jalon Walker revolves around how Atlanta will use him. He's best-equipped to be a strongside linebacker who rushes the passer occasionally. Atlanta needed a true edge, but could still get creative to get the most out of Walker.
Grade: B-
16. Arizona Cardnials
Selection: Walter Nolen, IDL, Mississippi
Positives:
- Rare fluidity and range for a defensive tackle
- Can win from every alignment across a defensive front
- Great flexibility and active hands through the whistle
Negatives
- Hand grip is inconsistent, so he can't always win with power
- Gets too reliant on quickness and speed
- Must focus on his assignment more often over roaming to create big plays
Team Fit
Jonathan Gannon saw the value of multiple high-end defensive tackles in Philadelphia, so he's rolling the dice on Walter Nolen. Nolen can be a foundational piece for this franchise if his motor runs consistently high. His pass-rushing ability is elite, and his fluidity is rare for the position.
Grade: B+
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Selection: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Positives:
- Rare combination of size, speed, and explosiveness
- Flashes an unstoppable bull rush if he can consistently harness it
- Bend and balance is second to none in the class
Negatives
- Awareness and processing speed cost him finishing opportunities in college
- Can lean too much as a rusher as opposed to using his length
- Very little pass-rush plan outside of being fast
Team Fit
Cincinnati could've used a pro-ready player to help fix its offensive line for Joe Burrow, or at least a defender who could be plugged in immediately. Instead, they took the biggest swing in the draft on Shemar Stewart.
A historically gifted athlete who had only 4.5 sacks in college, Stewart has All-Pro traits but is far from that level of production. This will either prove to be a home run or a disaster.
Grade: C
18. Seattle Seahawks
Selection: Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State
Positives:
- Experience and versatility to play almost every spot
- Great physical traits that can unlock a massive upside with refinement
- Relentless worker and finisher
Negatives
- Weaker lower body that struggles against power
- Bends at the waist far too often, opening himself for counters and rip-throughs
- Shorter arms will be a challenge to overcome
Team Fit
Grey Zabel fits Seattle's athleticism requirements well, and he's a mauling run-blocker who immediately profiles as an upgrade at guard or center.
He'll be a menace in space as he hunts down defenders. His pass protection is an issue right now, though, as his technique and patience are not ready to hold up consistently in the NFL.
Grade: c
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Selection: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Positives:
- Elite blocker who will spring huge gains in the run game
- Effortless acceleration and agility helps destroy man coverage
- Tough as nails and reliable at the catch point
Negatives
- Was not used as a deep threat in college despite athletic profile
- Can be considered more of a complementary option in an offense compared to a No. 1.
- Overall strength after the catch is average
Team Fit
Tampa Bay had a low-key need for a wide receiver as Mike Evans and Chris Godwin continue to age. However, they now have the future of the position set, with Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan in line to be natural backfills.
Egbuka is the epitome of a team player and leader on the field, and his explosiveness became underrated because of his role in college.
Grade: A
20. Denver Broncos
Selection: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Positives:
- Ballhawk who developed a nose for the ball as career progressed
- Versatile and fluid enough to play inside, outside, and slot safety
- Tenacious tackler who willingly gets involved in the run game
Negatives
- Limited length is a major issue in press and at the catch point
- Broke out late in career at older age
- Best-suited to be a slot corner, so the value is questionable
Team Fit
It's shocking to see the Denver Broncos forgo their need at running back to go with someone who will likely be a slot cornerback. They also passed on Michigan's Will Johnson.
Jahdae Barron will be a fan favorite because he plays hard, is highly intelligent, and can force turnovers, but he also has enough physical deficiencies to be concerned about.
Grade: C
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Selection: Derrick Harmon, IDL, Oregon
Positives:
- Top-tier pass-rushing interior presence
- Great range and lateral agility for his size
- Field vision against the run is promising for development
Negatives
- Top-heavy frame causes balance issues in run game
- Doesn't finish at the point of contact as well as he could
- Stiff when he tries to pull off stunts
Team Fit
Passing on a quarterback is gutsy, but the Steelers addressed their other major need with Derrick Harmon.
Harmon was the best pass-rusher in the country last year, showing off an excellent linear approach where he got upfield incredibly well. He'll immediately be relied upon to make an impact on an aging unit.
Grade: B+
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Selection: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Positives:
- Big, powerful frame that can carry the load all three downs
- Explosive acceleration and lateral agility despite being built like a plodder
- Adjusts on the fly with great field vision and mastery of his footwork
Negatives
- Not a great outside zone runner, so he's not overly scheme diverse
- Vision can be questionable when plays take a second to develop
- Won't outrun defenders unless he's working downhill already
Team Fit
Giving Jim Harbaugh an athlete of the caliber of Omarion Hampton is truly one of the most exciting outcomes from the first round.
Hampton boasts a rare combination of explosiveness and size. He will immediately be one of the most dangerous three-down threats in the league, and he fits the Chargers' play style perfectly.
Grade: A
23. Green Bay Packers
Selection: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Positives:
- Able to play inside and outside, and play various roles without losing effectiveness
- True speedster who eats up space on defenders and creates easy separation
- Body control at the catch point leads to highlight sideline receptions
Negatives
- Doesn't create after the catch effectively due to lack of field vision and power
- Lazy route runner, too often because he relies on speed
- Can improve overall strength
Team Fit
Green Bay finally broke its streak of drafting a first-round wide receiver, and Matthew Golden is a fitting selection. Matthew Golden is a finesse speedster who will fit well into Green Bay's offense. He offers an upside that only Christian Watson had, but his versatility is what will make this pick a hit.
Grade: A
24. Minnesota Vikings
Selection: Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State
Positives:
- Able to play left tackle or left guard at a high level
- Rare length and excellent power at the point of attack
- Smooth athlete with clean footwork
Negatives
- Slower punch as a guard, allowing defenders to get into his chest
- A little top-heavy, so his balance must be in check when in a phonebooth
- Took longer than expected to peak in college
Team Fit
I liked Donovan Jackson more at tackle than guard despite his shorter height, so it's interesting that Minnesota is taking him back to left guard.
Jackson is a tremendous athlete with great power and length. If his hand quickness and placement improve, he can be an All-Pro-level blocker for a long time.
Grade: B-
25. New York Giants
Selection: Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi
Positives:
- Good athlete with the mobility to punish defenses on rollouts and scrambles
- One of the more accurate quarterbacks in the class, showing good touch
- Executes the offense as a quality point guard
Negatives
- Is a tick slow at processing coverages and has to see receivers open
- Arm talent is average overall, and he struggles to drive the ball when his legs are compromised
- His upside is that of a high-level game manager and not someone who go out and win games consistently
Team Fit
The New York Giants had their pick of QB2 in the class and opted for someone not that different than Daniel Jones. Jaxson Dart is more accurate but has similar issues anticipating and trusting receivers who aren't wide open.
He's an analytics darling, but his film was littered with concerning examples of whether he can reach a difference-making level of impact.
Grade: C
26. Atlanta Falcons
Selection: James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee
Positives:
- Tremendous burst off the line puts blockers at a disadvantage immediately
- Good bend and contact balance despite not having the ideal weight
- Instinctive and reactive as plays develop
Negatives
- Lean build that might be maxed out at an average weight
- Play strength is average and he can get caught up on blockers without the ability to shed
- Doesn't gear down quickly, so he'll miss tackle opportunities as he overpursues
Team Fit
The trade cost was high for Atlanta to move back into the first round, but James Pearce Jr. was the most qualified player besides Abdul Carter to help their pass-rush.
Pearce is an electric speed rusher with a quality move set. His run defense is average due to his lack of bulk, but his effort and awareness is never lacking.
Grade: B+
27. Baltimore Ravens
Selection: Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
Positives:
- Rangy, over-the-top safety who hunts the ball
- Plays faster than mediocre Combine 40 time
- Great timing and body control when challenging receivers at the catch point
Negatives
- Not an impact run defender due to tackling angles and strength
- Overall athleticism is not explosive
- Slot safety potential is limited as he struggled to hold his own in man coverage
Team Fit
There were only a few spots where Malaki Starks made a lot of sense, and Baltimore was one of them.
Pairing him with Kyle Hamilton allows Baltimore to put both in their best positions to succeed while increasing their turnover rate. Starks is a good football player who will contribute to the unit's success.
Grade: A
28. Detroit Lions
Selection: Tyleik Williams, IDL, Ohio State
Positives:
- Prototypical run-clogging tackle who eats gaps for breakfast
- Great physicality overwhelms blockers who don't have their footing or help
- Better lateral agility and movement skill than expected for his size
Negatives
- Pad level gets too high as a pass-rusher and costs him production
- Quickness getting into the chest of blockers is inconsistent
- Doesn't have much upside as a pass-rusher
Team Fit
Tyliek Williams is an excellent player at what he is there to do, but the Detroit Lions took him at a premium cost. Detroit desperately needed an edge-rusher or pass-rusher, and Williams is neither.
He may flourish more in Detroit as a three-down player since Aidan Hutchinson is so disruptive.
Grade: C-
29. Washington Commanders
Selection: Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon
Positives:
- Solid athlete who will benefit from a move to right tackle
- Great balance and ability to mirror defenders
- Strong punch in pass protection keeps rushers at bay
Negatives
- Has to continue to gain play strength to help run game impact
- Can overcommit to the outside edge, so he may need some guard help until that's fixed
- Handling bull rush can be an adventure due to a lack of anchor
Team Fit
The Washington Commanders needed either a left tackle of the future or a challenger for Andrew Wylie at right tackle. Josh Conerly can be that.
He needs some time to address his overall strength, but his athleticism and instincts are NFL-ready. Picking Conerly over Josh Simmons could prove to be a bold move either way.
Grade: B+
30. Buffalo Bills
Selection: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Positives:
- Fantastic foot quickness and control of his movements in coverage
- Play recognition and anticipation allow him to challenge at the catch point
- Deters targets with speed and length
Negatives
- Can get impatient and want to jump routes too early
- Struggles against stronger receivers
- Bad run defender
Team Fit
The Buffalo Bills improved their coverage ability with Maxwell Hairston. A speedy and long corner, Hairston can be the best man option in Buffalo moving forward.
His run defense and effort are concerning, though, and it's the biggest concern as to whether he'll earn Sean McDermott's trust.
Grade: B
31. Philadelphia Eagles
Selection: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Positives:
- Read-and-react player who gets to the ball in a hurry
- Powerful tackler who ends plays as he makes contact
- Third-down blitz potential is unique
Negatives
- Still learning some of the nuances of diagnosing run keys
- Has to stay disciplined when setting the edge
- Too willing to embrace contact instead of getting creative to avoid it so he can finish tackles
Team Fit
It seemed impossible that Howie Roseman would invest in off-ball linebackers until this offseason, but times have changed.
Jihaad Campbell is a fantastic linebacker with elite size, physicality, and range. His burst and size actually allow him to be a pass-rushing threat on third downs as well.
Grade: A
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Selection: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Positives:
- Standout fluidity and balance in pass protection
- Well-synced from head to feet, avoiding mental and physical mistakes with his technique
- Impact defender in space, proving to be an asset on screens
Negatives
- Can improve overall play strength at the point of attack
- Could initiate contact with defenders more effectively
- Coming off a torn ACL
Team Fit
Taking a risk on a player coming off a torn ACL might not help Kansas City in 2025, but I'd argue Josh Simmons was the best pure left tackle in the class.
Patience could pay off in a massive way for the Chiefs. Simmons evolved into a smooth but brutal blocker in his time at Ohio State. His powerful punch and fluid pass-pro sets will be a long-term answer for Patrick Mahomes.
Grade: A
